/hoh"lee nis/ , n.
1. the quality or state of being holy; sanctity.
2. ( cap. ) a title of the pope, formerly used also of other high ecclesiastics (usually prec. by His or Your ).
[ bef. 900; ME holynesse, OE halignes. See HOLY, -NESS ]
Syn. 1. blessedness, godliness, saintliness.